Robinson's struggling world champions have already suffered the worst Six Nations campaign in their history following successive losses to Wales, France and Ireland.

And Twickenham's aura of invincibility is also under considerable threat.

If England come unstuck this weekend - they have never been beaten by Italy and the Azzurri have yet to record a Six Nations away win - then it would represent a 32-year Twickenham low.

Not since 1973 - a time when the likes of Andy Ripley and Tony Neary were finding their feet as international players - have England lost at least three games in a row on the hallowed Twickenham turf.

But an unlikely Italian triumph would see them emulate France last month, and Australia in the final autumn Test, in piling misery on Robinson, whose success rate since he replaced World Cup mastermind Sir Clive Woodward earlier this season currently stands at a mere 33 per cent.

"We really want to go out and play well," said Robinson, whose team will be captained for the first time today by Leicester No 8 Martin Corry, following Jason Robinson's thumb operation.